2003 SAAB 9-3 Arc 2.0T from North America

Summary:

A beautiful sport sedan with questionable reliability, and expensive to repair

Faults:

Major problems.

New driver side window assembly; $400 at 55000.

New rebuilt transmission; $4000 at 65000.

General Comments:

When I brought my Red 9-3, I knew what I was getting into. A beautiful sport sedan with questionable reliability, expensive to repair, with nice options and very good safety features.

I love the way the car handles, it is very tight.

I read the reviews before I bought my car and everyone was either very happy or very mad about their 9-3. Probably because it is the first year of that model. So I was hoping that I was not buying a lemon. I am happy with my purchase, but replacing the transmission really hurt.

2003 SAAB 9-3 Linear 2.0t from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Engine oil was pushing into the power steering fluid, causing it to leak out of the power steering fill. Replaced power steering pump (under warranty).

Front wheel bearing, causing misc dash warning lights to come on.

For some reason the headlight bulbs don't last very long.

Both front strut bearings.

Left hand sway bar link.

Might need to replace radiator because there may be coolant fluid inside of the transmission (oh dear).

Every now and then, my "stability light" failure comes on and then goes away; same with the OnStar.

Very hazy headlights only after 60k miles.

Driver's heated seat fuse keeps blowing out.

Driver's seat will not stay in the jacked up position, will slowly need to be jacked up again.

Driver's seat makes a clicking noise when accelerating, or cornering.

Paint on dashboard peeling.

Rubber on top of key peeling off.

General Comments:

Despite any problems I have had with this car, I love it. It has a launch package, which includes 17" sport wheels and sport suspension. It handles amazing, like nothing I have ever seen.

This car is very comfortable and I love every feature it has. There is 175 HP, but it feels like 250. The road noise is minimum, and it is much fun to drive on the highway. You would never know what speed you are going, 120 mph feels like I'm going about 70.

I love Saab's, and I would recommend this car to everyone who wants an affordable sports car.

The most responsive car ever, best fuel economy for the power this car has.